A Key, Once Lost, Has Been Found – Chapter 3 (Forged in Fire)

Desmond had been getting dressed when Machiavelli wandered into his room.

"Glad to see you are up and awake. You had mentioned wanting to see more of Roma."

Desmond nodded, placing his bracer on his wrist.

"I will welcome you to come along, I am due to be in Mausoleo di Augusto this afternoon," Machiavelli said.

Desmond nodded, Grazie."

Machiavelli nodded before leaving once more.

Desmond looked around the room, it was nice enough. The bed was more comfortable than at the Inn. But he wasn't going to say as much to Niccolo's face. The Assassin had already helped him so much already. Though it would be curious to see what the Augusto looked like in person. It had to be different just looking at it thorough Ezio's eyes.

And watched he did. Though Desmond had forgotten what it was like with the Borgia in full power. Everything seemed so isolated and constrained. Less people about and Roma was indeed a beautiful city.

"Have you ever thought about fighting back?" Desmond asked.

Machiavelli looked at him, curiosity in his eyes.

"Its like the people are begging for another chance…"

"Desmond, do you know what you're saying? Roma is not a small city," Niccolo said.

Desmond snorted, "I realize that."

"You remind me a lot of Ezio. That would be something he would say," Machiavelli noted.

Desmond flushed at the compliment.

"It's a plausible suggestion, one that could take years in the making…"

"Then what is stopping you?" Desmond prompted.

"You are a determined man, Desmond… It would take a vast set of numbers to even start pressing against the Borgia. Which I'm not sure is the wisest set of course right now. Our numbers are already few as it is," Machiavelli replied.

Desmond frowned at that, but he knew what was about to happen. A series of events that Ezio would set in course.

"But I know a few men that could help with that," Machiavelli finally said.

Desmond grinned at that before he felt someone behind him. He kept his scarred arm still to his side and twirled around. His blade unsheathed and firm against a neck. He had to blink several times before he realized exactly who it was that he was threatening.

"Ezio," his voice was barely audible.

It was clear to the young Italian that he was caught off guard. He had expected it to be a threat to Machiavelli, only to realize it was an… Assassin? And one that clearly knew his name? Today was just getting more confusing as each minute passed. It didn't help that he was still injured.

"You know of me?" Ezio asked.

Desmond gave a half glance at Machiavelli, hoping he'd say something.

"Ezio?"

"You are surprised to see me?" Ezio said, his attention now on Niccolo.

"Most of the city has heard of the Villa attack, I heard about it a few days ago myself," Machiavelli responded.

"And your friend? There are not many Assassins you know that I do not," Ezio tried to not have his tone sound accusing.

"A trusted ally and Assassin. He saved my life mere nights ago," Machiavelli revealed.

Ezio's eyebrows shot up, "you have my gratitude. Machiavelli is a friend of mine."

"Likewise," Desmond muttered, not sure what else to say.

"You have news?" Ezio asked.

Machiavelli nodded, "I have a contact waiting for me. Desmond had agreed to accompany me there."

Ezio's eyes widened and looked at Desmond and actually studied him. That was when he noticed his arm.

"You are—"

Desmond rolled his eyes; he was not in the mood to have that conversation at the moment. Though he didn't bother correcting Machiavelli. He didn't really say he would accompany him on his way to meet that contact of his.

"Yes," he cut off. "But that is not the type of conversation to be had at the moment."

"You are correct, forgive me. It is not everyday that I would come across…"

Desmond grinned, "I know very well. I would like to meet this supposed contact of Niccolo's though."

Ezio nodded, "indeed…"

Machiavelli looked at Ezio critically, "though it would be wise to replace your equipment while you are not under guard."

"I still carry my blade, as does your friend. That is equipment enough," Ezio retorted.

"And unlike you, I carry a second blade," Desmond commented.

Machiavelli's lips twitched at that as Ezio let out a small laugh.

"I cannot fault you on that. A second blade would come in handy," Ezio agreed.

"Good, I can lend you some Florins so that you may live another day," Machiavelli said as he handed him a small bag.

"Grazie."

Desmond watched as Ezio took the bag of Florins from Niccolo and walked up to the window at the closest Blacksmith. And apparently the Assassin bought two items, not just a weapon for fighting with.

The first was a very standard version of Roman Spaulders. It would give him some protection, though not much. But it was better than just wearing a robe and hope for the best. Now that he thought about it, he should probably find a day to purchase some of his own. Since he was doing just that… wearing his Assassin robe and no armor of protection.

The second thing that Ezio had gotten was a short sword or maybe it was more of a dagger. He knew what it was. It was called a Stiletto. It had a long slender blade with a needle-like point. It definitely was a must have if you wanted to slice someone's throat and do a good job of it.

Desmond glanced down at his own sword. It probably would need sharpening, but it would do the job if he needed to do a run through. Though it would honestly be better if he just bought another sword. Hopefully one that would be more durable and hold up better. His was a bit off balance and it could be hard to find a well-balanced sword. But that didn't mean it was impossible.

He personally would love to have a Milanese Sword. He remembered when Ezio had owned one back in Florence and eventually Roma itself. He knew it was made of stainless steel and wasn't likely to break in the middle of a fight. He honestly loved that sword. Though, he was more of a fan of one-handed swords. There were easier to swing and could grab another weapon if he wanted to. That usually would be the hidden gun within the Assassin's gauntlet. Although it still amazed him of all the upgrades that Altaïr did in his lifetime. But if it wasn't the hidden gun, it would be a spare knife or dagger to catch them unaware. But for right now, there was only the hidden blade. He hoped that he might be able to upgrade it sometime. But when you had a life as an Assassin, you never knew when that would be.

That wasn't to say he wouldn't use two-handed swords. They just tended to take more time to swing and by then a guard could evade his strike and land one of their own. Though he liked where they could deal quite a bit of damage if you landed the hit. And he was a bit partial to the Spadone when the need called for it. And there was the worry if his other arm could be usable again. So, he doubted he would ever be able to use a two-handed sword again. The thought was bit of a depressing one.

Though there was one sword he didn't dare think about.

Altair's sword…

He knew that Ezio had wielded that blade before. But that had been before Monteriggioni was attacked. He knew that Ezio eventually went back for it after the attack. He had never wielded a more beautiful sword. If you could call a weapon beautiful… He didn't dare think about wielding that weapon again. But that didn't help the longing he had for it again. He had to shake his head slightly to get rid of the thoughts before talking.

"Perhaps you can convince Niccolo of reason against the Borgia," Desmond brought up.

Ezio had a smirk on his lips, "your friend has a good idea, Machiavelli. Surely two Assassins who have the same idea means better than one?"

"And you mean to do this yourself?" Machiavelli scoffed.

"No, I will require help. But you cannot deny that we cannot let the Borgia and the Templars maintain their power and control here," Ezio admitted.

"You realize this will be no small task, Ezio. Roma is quite vast, and Cesare already has his sights upon Italia," Machiavelli said.

"Not for very long," Ezio promised.

Machiavelli looked at Ezio in disbelief, "I do have contacts… but it can be a start. If you are decided on this… it will be a long course. One that I am doubtful that you can manage."

"I am aware, but I cannot deny that the power must be returned back into the people of Roma."

That was when Desmond set off at a dash.

Both Machiavelli and Ezio just looked at his retreating form, bewildered.

Literally ten minutes later Desmond came back… covered in blood. He frowned at himself, knowing he'd have to get that cleaned out again. Why did blood have to be so hard to get out of clothing?

"An idea of yours?" Ezio prompted.

Even Machiavelli wasn't sure what prompted such an action.

"I hoped that was one of the Borgia…" Machiavelli started to say.

Desmond rolled his eyes, "you can't just say words and expect to have Roma start to be liberated. And I doubted that you expected to walk to your contact without horses. I know the Borgia have their rule over here and by eliminating him we can be one step closer."

"You realize the stables are still closed and unavailable?" Machiavelli said.

Desmond snorted, "and as you can see… My arm is still not fully healed, and I won't be able to climb the tower. You need to have a signal to the people. Eliminating the Borgia captains will only do so much."

Ezio nodded in approval, "I may not have beaten you to killing the captain, but I can light the signal."

Machiavelli just raised an eyebrow; he still didn't think by just killing some guards you'd have access to the stables. But he watched as Ezio steadily climbed the tower before lighting it ablaze.

"You were saying?" Desmond asked as the stables came available.

"I am not saying you are wrong, Desmond. But it will be a long effort," Machiavelli relented.

Desmond nodded.

"It is not a bad idea on taking away the leaders of the Borgia, Desmond. But it will not be enough…" Ezio said, climbing on his horse.

"What is it you have in mind, Ezio?" Desmond asked, though he already knew the answer.

"The Borgia thrive on their source of power. Take that away and it will cripple them," Ezio explained.

"You are talking about the people?" Machiavelli surmised.

Ezio nodded, "Sì. It's a way of changing Roma for the better. Humanity is at the heart of the Brotherhood. We cannot ignore that."

Machiavelli didn't argue against that and kept riding.

It was at the Campidoglio that Ezio and Desmond met with Machiavelli to meet this contact of his.

Desmond had decided to dismount from his horse and wander around. Seeing that Machiavelli was still looking for his contact. They were close enough to the Colosseum. But Desmond got curious and activated his eagle vision. It was a bit disorienting at first, but his interest got piqued when he saw something golden out of the corner of his eyes. It looked to be one of those Vatican couriers who was speaking with a guard.

Desmond decided to go around and pickpocket him while the man was distracted. And once he was a good distance away, he took a look at it. That's when he realized… that was the letter that the contact was supposed to steal. He wanted to smack himself for it, though he had honestly forgotten about that moment. But he figured he could stick the letter into his robes and hand it to Machiavelli.

By the time Desmond got back to where he dismounted from his horse, the three guards that had surrounded the contact were dead. And Ezio had just began chasing the courier that Desmond had just pickpocketed.

"Well…" Machiavelli demanded.

"Machiavelli, there was no letter," Ezio said, walking back up the hill.

"Impossible… there been hints about correspondence between the Followers of Romulus and the Borgia. That letter was crucial for that. This does not make any sense…"

"Maybe I can help with that," Desmond cheerfully cut in.

"Desmond… what do you mean?" Ezio asked.

"While you were busy chasing down the courier, I had already gotten the letter," Desmond smirked.

Ezio barked out a laugh, "outsmarted by another Assassin!"

Desmond handed the letter over to Niccolo, as the man quickly cursed.

"They must keep a code sheet somewhere in one of their lairs…" Desmond thought out loud.

"Ezio, I will leave that for you to find out. You will know where to find me when you do," Machiavelli said.

"Wait one moment, Machiavelli," Ezio said.

"Ezio, what is it?" Niccolo asked.

"You said we had allies; I want to see them. If I'm to be fighting to help Italia, I need to know who's on my side," Ezio replied.

Machiavelli nodded, "you will find that some of them won't be too surprising to see."

"I will determine that for myself," Ezio said.

"But for now, a friend of mine has something to show you," Machiavelli said, beckoning him towards one of the underground tunnels.

Ezio and Desmond followed without a word.

Unlike Ezio, Desmond knew what to expect. This was when Machiavelli would lead them to the Assassin's hideout. A place that Fabio Orsini would supply them with. But that didn't mean he wasn't anymore memorized by what he saw. He remembered being star struck upon seeing it for the first time in Ezio's perspective. But it felt so different looking at it in person. Like he was starting to realize that he was actually here, and he wasn't going to get pulled out of the Animus any time soon.

With that, he didn't realize the missed conversation between Ezio and Machiavelli about the 'issues' of the underground work.

With that Ezio turned around to leave again.

"What are you going to do?" Machiavelli asked.

"Do what you didn't," Ezio replied.

Then Ezio stopped again and Desmond couldn't find out why. Machiavelli had already left for the other room. He assumed to inspect the work that Fabio had put together for the Assassins.

"What?" Desmond finally asked, the staring was getting too much for him. He just hoped that his face wasn't as red as he thought it was.

"You need to know our allies as well, Desmond. I may not know you well… but you are an Assassin," Ezio commented.

Desmond held back a snort, he felt like that was just an excuse.

"Do you mean that you just want to know how I got here?"

Ezio looked sheepish, "Among other things, yes."

Desmond sighed; it wasn't like he had anything else to do. And sitting around to wait for his arm to heal was boring.

"I accept, lead the way, Ezio," Desmond said.

Ezio's eyes lit up with something Desmond couldn't identify.

"That I shall…"